Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is making progress on his targets for the summer - but he is unsure just when players will start to arrive.A move for veteran Blackburn goalkeeper Brad Friedel seems certain to bear fruit but an attempt to snatch David Bentley from under Tottenham's noses appears more problematic, while West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand and Manchester City's England Under-21 star Michael Johnson are also on O'Neill's radar.
"We are progressing and in the next few weeks I would think we should be able to add to our squad," said O'Neill.
"I don't know whether we will do that by the end of the week, in the next 10 days or the next three weeks but by the time the Premier League comes round it is essential to be much stronger than we are at the minute."
Meanwhile, Martin Laursen will offer old pal Thomas Helveg a handshake and nothing else as Villa look to plant one foot in Europe with an Intertoto Cup win over Odense on Saturday.
Villa tackle the Danes knowing victory in the two-legged encounter will see them book a place in next month's UEFA Cup qualifying round and, in all probability, a spot in the competition itself given the seeding system in operation.
For the former European Cup winners, still making their way under O'Neill, it would be a major lift.
But Laursen accepts beating Odense will not be a formality, particularly with Helveg in their starting line-up.
Now 37, Helveg is a former team-mate of Laursen from their days with AC Milan. And the Villa man is acutely aware of his quality, even if Helveg's legs are somewhat older than they once were.
"To still be playing at his age is a terrific achievement," Laursen told Villa's official website.
"But I played with him at AC Milan for two years and with Denmark for much longer than that and know he is the sort of player who can continue to an old age.
"He is so professional. He takes care of his body and is a terrific example to any young player.
"Thomas is a good friend and it will be very interesting to play against him. But we have to remember this is an important game. We want to play in the UEFA Cup and we have to be ready."
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Comment 1 - 4 of 4
David bently should be the right man on the right side. At right back we need someone to push forward as craig gardener look very confused. He might be out of our price range but wes brown or someone alike would fit in to it PERFECT!. Then another striker from a forigh leage like agbonlahor, because in no good havin to target me else you never score. Then a good pricey center midfield,And Robert green for goal as Brad Gusan will be on international dutuy in China... I hope randy has put all the money in MON pigey bank.
Spending big money on big players is the only way to move forward. Sadly, Anton Ferdinand isn't going to turn us into CL contenders.
Villa need to sign players, if the groundsman arn't to end up as O'Neales makeshift midfield. There has been much talk about Liverpools funding issues. Less so about Villa, we have heard it all before about potential signings who don't materialise. It will be interesting to learn what funds Learner is giving to O'Neale over and above what he could recoup from his attempts of extortion to Liverpool. Not all doom and gloom though, I'm sure Martin O'Neale will be the best man to bring the best out of the groundsman. Dont you think he looks tired?
Mr M O,Neill i have my doubts about you. Untill recently i was a big fan of yours. but now i have detected something amiss? You talk the the talk, but no action
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